Nigel Farage has launched an inquiry into the 'altercation' Credit: PA

Nigel Farage has launched an inquiry into the "nasty altercation" between Ukip MEPs Steven Woolfe and Mike Hookem.

Mr Farage, who admitted he is back in temporary charge of the party, said he hopes to have established what exactly happened by next week.

"I've launched an investigation: two senior party officers will take witness statements from everybody inside and outside that room and we will know by the middle of next week exactly what happened", he said.

The 52-year-old added: "He [Steven] has suffered two nasty seizures.

"I don't know how long he's going to be in hospital but you know he's been through a very, very rough experience".